If Beijing is likely to watch next week’s summit meeting in Geneva between U.S. President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin with a bit of concern, New Delhi is cheering the two leaders on, hoping they find a way to get along. Better relations between the United States and Russia will certainly make it easier for India to balance an increasingly aggressive China. And while India might be especially enthusiastic about a U.S.-Russian detente, it is not alone in Asia. Many others in the region believe that an independent Russian role will create more wiggle room for themselves in the emerging confrontation between China and the United States. Read More…

BENAULIM, INDIA - OCTOBER, 15 (RUSSIA OUT) Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their meeting at Taj Exotic Hotel on October, 15, 2016 in Benaulim, Goa, India. The BRICS summit is attended by attended by the leaders of the five member states Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. (Photo by Mikhail Svetlov/Getty Images)